It really depends on what I’m upset about. Often I want to be left alone, but if I’m upset about something that’s coming up, I often wish there were people I could be with to take my mind off my problems.

But other times I just want to hide somewhere and lick my wounds. Then I’m glad I live alone.

When I’m angry, I go looking for my gun. Then I remember I don’t own a gun. I say a prayer for gun control legislation. Then I go beat the dog. Except I don’t have a dog. Nor a cat, so I can’t torture the cat either.

It’s exhausting trying to figure out who to take my anger out on. Then there’s mys son and daughter. But they are way too cute to beat up. Finally, I try to beat my wife, but by that time I’m so confused, I don’t even remember whether I’m right or left-handed, so I can’t beat my wife.

I’m a talker. Initially I might spend time thinking about it. This might mean going for a walk. Sitting in a quiet place for a while. Eventually and if I am still upset, I will seek out people I feel I can trust to talk things through with. Often it’s about needing a reality check. “was I justified in being upset about this?” rather than “what should I do about this?” Then I need time to get over whatever has upset me or I will work out what I need to do in terms of action. If it’s serious and demands a real response, after I have talked it through with trusted friends (and most often my husband) I will take the action required.

I sit alone. I often write as if I’m writing to the offender in question. Then I muster up the courage to talk it out with the person, which usually doesn’t go all that well because I like to beat dead horses too much.

Then we part ways, both still a little angry. Eventually, I get over it. But really I just bury it deep and take it out on my friends and family.

I usually get tense and frustrated and begin mentally reviewing whatever incident made me angry…

…until I remember that nothing made me angry; I chose to be angry as a response to something I didn’t like. Once that realization occurs I’m able to allow the negativity to dissipate; the anger goes away.

Then I berate myself for my unwillingness to sidestep the anger (angry thoughts) to begin with.

A big improvement considering I used to lash out verbally at anyone who “made me angry”.